Keep On
Keep On develops Southern Avenue's connection between blues, soul and funk. The Memphis band have a strong singer in Tierinii Jackson, but they build much more around her. Ori Naftaly's guitars and the rhythms beneath the songs give her voice a lively setting. The music looks back without sounding dated.
The title track opens with horns and clear movement. Jackson can sing softly and smoothly before using much greater force. The gospel colour in her voice gives the music extra feeling. The band play firmly enough to support those outbursts.
Whiskey Love has a darker edge. Guitar establishes a low, relaxed groove and the voice sounds sharper. That difference works well: there is more tension behind the danceable backing than might first appear. Switchup brings funk further forward, with tight guitar keeping the other parts closely connected.
The gentler songs have enough character too. Lucky gives the singing a softer setting, with a clear guitar figure holding the song together. Melody has more room to do its work here. The different sides of Jackson's voice remain important to the variety.
William Bell joins We've Got The Music for a duet. His voice fits naturally with this combination of older soul and a young band. Closer We're Gonna Make It chooses a calmer development with gospel feeling and fine harmonies. Jackson gives that message conviction without needing the arrangement to overpower her.
Keep On draws its strength from this collaboration. Naftaly gives the songs firm riffs and rhythmic support, while the singing makes the emotional differences clear. Southern Avenue keep their influences recognisable and give them fresh movement. The result is accessible, lively and particularly well sung.
